Method and device for securing hairpieces

ABSTRACT

A hairpiece securing device has a sheath having a front and rear wall in between which a hairpiece is received. The hairpiece in inserted through an opening in the sheath. At least one receiving hole extends through the sheath. A securing means prevents the hairpiece from falling to the bottom of the sheath and an optional closing means can close the opening in the sheath. A method of securing hairpieces involves inserting a hairpiece into an opening in a sheath. The sheath has a front wall and a rear wall, and the hairpiece is received in between these two walls. At least one receiving hole extends through the sheath and a securing means in inserted through the at least one receiving hole and through the hairpiece.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to hairpieces and, more particularly, topackaging and a method for securing hairpieces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The typical packaging used in retail for selling hairpiecesgenerally is little more than a sealed plastic bag. The hairpiece,whether made of human or synthetic hair, generally shifts within the bagsince there generally are no structures or other features to fix thehairpiece relative to the packaging.

[0003] The packaging of the current art suffers from various drawbacksand disadvantages. For example, the shifting of the hairpiece may causeit to become knotted or tangled; the hairpiece often collects on thebottom of the bag, making it difficult for the customer to view theitem. As yet another drawback, hairpieces displayed in this manner areaesthetically unappealing as well.

[0004] The above shortcomings of current hairpiece packaging lead tostill further disadvantages: for instance, since customers havedifficulty viewing the hairpieces in current packaging, they often, whenpossible, open the packaging to determine how the hair feels, how badlytangled or knotted the hair is, or to otherwise evaluate the hairpiece.Once the package is opened, certain customers may be less inclined topurchase it for fear it has been damaged or worn.

[0005] Still other customers may take advantage of the opened package toremove the hairpiece and steal it. Such theft is all the easier since,when out of its packaging, the hairpiece is especially easy to fold ormanipulate to fit into small places such as the shoplifter's pocketbookor pants pockets. Even when the hairpiece remains in its packaging, thepackaged hairpiece is flexible, malleable, and manipulable enough to beat risk from shoplifters.

[0006] Because of the inadequate ways hairpieces are being packaged,hairpieces are often stored in locked or “behind the counter” displaycabinets or in other areas where customers cannot physically touch orhold the hairpieces. While this may reduce compromising the packaging orshoplifting, the customers, without being able to touch and hold thehairpieces, are not able to determine whether they like the materialsthat comprise the hairpieces or the condition of the hairpieces,potentially decreasing a store's sales of hairpieces as a consequence ofusing such display cabinets or similar security methods.

[0007] As a result of the high incidence of theft of hairpieces, retailstoreowners are not left with many options. The owners can either makethe hairpieces physically accessible to the customers, therebyincreasing the likelihood of theft, or the hairpieces can be madeinaccessible to the customers, as previously mentioned, by displayingthe hairpieces in a display case.

[0008] It is also beneficial to be able to leave the hairpieces in theirpackaging, not have the hair on the hairpieces become knotted ortangled, and not have the hairpieces fall to the bottom of thepackaging.

[0009] Thus, there is a need for a device that both protects thehairpieces and prevents theft.

SUMMARY

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, a hairpiece securingdevice is disclosed. A sheath has a front and rear wall and thehairpiece is received in between these two walls. The sheath also has atleast one receiving hole that extends through the sheath. The hairpieceis inserted into the sheath through an opening found in the sheath. Ameans for securing the hairpiece is present, and this securing means canoptionally be an anti-theft device. Optionally, a means for closing theopening in the sheath is available to prevent the hairpiece from fallingout of the sheath and to keep the hairpiece clean.

[0011] A method of securing hairpieces is also disclosed. A hairpiece isinserted into an opening in a sheath and the sheath has front and rearwalls. The hairpiece is received in between the front and rear walls. Asecuring means is inserted through at least one receiving hole andthrough the hairpiece and the at least one receiving hole extendsthrough the sheath. The securing means is used to prevent the hairpiecefrom falling to the bottom of the sheath and, optionally, it can be ananti-theft device.

[0012] In the drawings, which are discussed below, one or more preferredembodiments are illustrated, with the same reference numerals referringto the same pieces of the invention throughout the drawings. It isunderstood that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodimentdepicted in the drawings herein, but rather it is defined by the claimsappended hereto and equivalent structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention for synthetic hairpackages.

[0014]FIG. 2 is the side view of FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a view of a synthetic hairpiece inserted and secured inthe present invention.

[0016]FIG. 4 is the front view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention for real hair packages.

[0017]FIG. 5 is a view of a natural hairpiece inserted and secured inthe present invention.

[0018]FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention for synthetic hair packages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] While the specification concludes with claims particularlypointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which isregarded as the invention, the invention will now be further describedby reference to the following detailed description of preferredembodiments taken in conjunction with the above-described accompanyingdrawings.

[0020] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, ahairpiece securing device 21 preferably comprises a sheath 23, havingfeatures which serve to display aesthetically hairpiece 25 receivedtherein, while also inhibiting shoplifting, as explained below. Sheath23 is made out of a translucent material, such as plastic or any othersuitable material, such translucence permitting customers to viewhairpiece 25. The thickness of the plastic comprising sheath 23 ispreferably sufficient to prevent sheath 23 from bending, which makes itdifficult to impossible to fold sheath 23 or otherwise make it easy toshoplift in a pocket or pocketbook. The sheath has a rear wall 31 and afront wall 35 which define a volume into which a hairpiece is received.Front wall 31 has an opening in which a hairpiece can be inserted intosheath 23 and vertical portions 27, 27 of the front wall surround theopening. This opening also allows customers to examine hairpiece 25without removing it from sheath 23. The measurements of the differentsections of sheath 23 can vary as is required by the size and dimensionsof the hairpieces to be secured thereto. In the illustrated embodiment,rear 31 is preferably 4 inches wide by 5 inches high. Front 31 hasdimensions that are suitable to prevent hairpiece 25 from falling out ofsheath 23 if suitable means for securing the hairpiece are not utilized.

[0021] Hairpiece securing device 21 includes suitable means for securinghairpiece 25 to sheath 23, here shown as pin 29 received through hole 33formed in sheath 23 that extends through rear 31. Pin 29 preferablypierces through hairpiece 25 and is located and oriented relative tosheath 23 so that it extends into and through sheath 23 through hole 33.To avoid damage to hairpiece 25, pin 29 passes through it in between theplaces where the hair is stitched into the material that holds the hairof hairpiece 25. Pin 29 is equipped with clip 37 or other suitable meansfor inhibiting removal of pin 29 from hairpiece 25 and sheath 23.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, pin 29 and clip 37 are part of orcomprise an anti-theft device 47, such as a so-called EAS hard tag,which activates an anti-theft alarm or otherwise signals theunauthorized removal of the packaged hairpiece 25. The anti-theft device47 may likewise take the form to emit a dye or otherwise render thehairpiece 25 to which it is attached unusable.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, when pin 29 and clip 37 comprise anti-theftdevice 47, the components for signaling the alarm or for activating thedye are secured to pin 29, preferably at one of its ends. Suchcomponents are encased in a housing 49 which, when mounted at the tip ofpin 29, comprise part of clip 37.

[0024] In this way, anti-theft device 47 not only serves to detershoplifting in the typical manner when secured to a consumer good, butalso serves to mount the hairpiece 25 to sheath 23, rendering theresulting package less pilferable, and displaying the hairpiece 25 moreaesthetically within its packaging.

[0025] Sheath 23 optionally includes a second hole 51 that extendsthrough rear 31 at a location to permit a second pin 55 to extendsubstantially orthogonally through sheath 23. Pin 55 preferably extendsthrough sheath 23 at a location spaced from that of pin 29 to anchor orsecure hairpiece 25 to sheath 23 at a second independent location,thereby making hairpiece 25 even more difficult to separate from sheath23.

[0026] As with pin 29, pin 55 is preferably equipped with suitable meansfor inhibiting its casual removal from sheath 23, such as a clip 57. Pinand clip 55, 57 can likewise comprise or include an anti-theft device47.

[0027] Sheath 23 includes optional features enabling it to be displayedby hanging. In particular, tab 61 extends outwardly at a suitablelocation from sheath 23 and has a bore 59 or is otherwise formed to hangfrom a display hook (not shown).

[0028] The dimensions of sheath 23 relative to hairpiece 25 can bevaried to suit any of the variety of sizes and shapes likely to beencountered. Similarly, the location of hole 33 as well as thecorresponding location of pin 29 can be varied, so long as pin 29 servesits function of securing and displaying hairpiece 25.

[0029] If only receiving hole 33 is utilized, the hairpiece will be heldin place in the sheath, but it will also be able to swing fromside-to-side. Hairpiece 25 will swing from side-to-side when pin 29passes through hairpiece 25, through hole 33, and then through rear 31of sheath 23. Clip 37 is attached to pin 29 to lock pin 37 into place.If more than one receiving hole has a securing means associated with it,the hairpiece will not swing from side-to-side and it will still be heldin place in the sheath as a result of the securing means attachedthrough receiving hole 33. For example, hairpiece 25 will be held inplace and will not be subject to side-swing when pins 29 and 55 passthrough hairpiece 25, through holes 33 and 55, respectively, and thenthrough rear 31 of sheath 23. Again, clips 37, 57 are connected to pins29, 55 to secure pins 29, 55.

[0030] Clip 37 is secured to or otherwise engages the tip of pin 29 whenthe tip has been passed through hairpiece 25. Clip 37 has features thatengage the rear of clip 37, as well as features which inhibit movementor removal of clip 37 relative to pin 29. In the illustrated embodiment,clip 37 includes a locking mechanism, such as a spring activated memberto bear against pin 29, or a rubber gasket or similar non-slidingcomponent engaged between clip 37 and pin 29, such mechanism inhibitingmovement of clip 37. Clip 37 is equipped with flanges that bear againstrear 31 of sheath 23.

[0031] Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 4, in which sheath 123 isdimensioned to be particularly suitable for securing a human hairpiece135. The sheath 123 has a height of 14 inches, a base width of 2 inches,a top width of approximately 3 inches, and a front of 4 inches in theillustrated embodiment. Again, the measurements of the differentsections of the sheath can vary as is required by the dimensions of thehairpiece 135 to be contained therein, and the sheath 123 is made out ofa translucent material, such as plastic or any other suitable material,that is thick as necessary to prevent the sheath 123 from bending.Sheath 123 includes features similar to those discussed with referenceto sheath 23.

[0032] However, hairpiece securing device 121 differs from hairpiecesecuring device 21 in the following respects. Sheath 123 is open on thesides. Hairpiece 135 is placed inside of sheath 123 so that front 133extends over the hairpiece 135, as shown in FIG. 5. The first receivinghole is hole 125 which is located on the front 133 of sheath 123. Hole125 corresponds to hole 127. Holes 125, 127 are located to permit a pinto extend substantially through sheath 123. A pin passes through hole125, into the interior of sheath 123, through hairpiece 135, and thenout of sheath 123 through hole 127. Alternatively, a pin could passthrough either hole 125 or 127 and not pass through the correspondinghole resulting in at least one receiving hole being used. For example, apin could pass through hole 125, through hairpiece 135, through front133 of sheath 123, and then be attached to a clip without ever utilizinghole 127; or, a pin could pass through hairpiece 135, through hole 127,through rear 131 of sheath 123, and then be attached to a clip withoutever making use of hole 125. A third optional hole 129 is preferablylocated so as to anchor or secure hairpiece 135 to sheath 131 at asecond independent location.

[0033] In still other variations, rear 31, 131 of sheaths 23, 123,respectively, may be of suitably stiff material to completely preventmanual folding of the sheath, and thus causing the sheath to bulge outwhen placed in a pocket. Having such a stiff material present creates atongue in rear 31, 131 of sheaths 23, 123. Not only does such a stiffmaterial protect the hairpiece, but it also allows sheath 23, 123 to bevisually detected should a customer attempt to conceal it on his or herbody or in a bag.

[0034] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, a closing means can beimplemented to close the sheath and further protect the hairpiece. Aclosing means for closing the package is preferably formed as flap 151,which is narrower and shorter than the rear of the sheath. A flap isonly one of the available means that can be used to close the package.Another way to close the package is by adhering an additional material,such as cardboard or another piece of translucent or non-translucentmaterial, to the package by using glue, tape, or VELCRO®. FIG. 6demonstrates the combination of flap 151 with tape 153 wherein tape 153adheres to front 35 of sheath 23 resulting in flap 151 not inadvertentlyopening. Several ways in which to close the package can be thought of byone skilled in the art, and all of these ways are encompassed in thisinvention.

[0035] It should be noted that as a result of the present inventionusing securing means to secure the hairpieces in place, a moreaesthetically appealing manner of displaying hairpieces is providedwhich also can prevent shoplifting.

[0036] Additional advantages and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and those variations, as well as others which skillor fancy may suggest, are intended to be within the scope of the presentinvention, along with equivalents thereto, the invention being definedby the claims attended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hairpiece securing device comprising a sheathhaving a front and rear wall, wherein a hairpiece is received in betweensaid front and rear walls; an opening in said sheath wherein a hairpiececan be inserted; at least one receiving hole wherein said receiving holeextends through said sheath; and means for securing said hairpiece tosaid sheath.
 2. The hairpiece securing device of claim 1, wherein saidmeans for securing said hairpiece to said sheath comprises a pin and aclip.
 3. The hairpiece securing device of claim 1, wherein said meansfor securing said hairpiece between said front and rear walls comprisesa theft-deterrent device.
 4. The hairpiece securing device of claim 1,further comprising a means for closing said opening in said sheath. 5.The hairpiece securing device of claim 4, wherein said means for closingis a flap.
 6. The hairpiece securing device of claim 1, furthercomprising a tongue.
 7. A method of securing hairpieces comprisinginserting a hairpiece into an opening in a sheath, wherein said sheathhas a front and rear wall in between which a hairpiece is received, andat least one receiving hole extending through said sheath; and insertinga securing means through at least one receiving hole and through saidhairpiece.
 8. The method of securing hairpieces of claim 7, wherein saidsecuring means is a pin and a clip.
 9. The method of securing hairpiecesof claim 7, wherein said securing means comprises a theft-deterrentdevice.
 10. The method of securing hairpieces of claim 7, furthercomprising closing a means for closing said opening in said sheath. 11.The method of securing hairpieces of claim 10, wherein said closingmeans comprises a flap.
 12. A hairpiece securing device comprising asheath having a front and rear wall, wherein a hairpiece is received inbetween said front and rear walls; an opening in said sheath; tworeceiving holes wherein said receiving holes extend through said sheath;two anti-theft devices wherein said hairpiece is secured to said sheathby said anti-theft devices; a tag extending outwardly from said sheath;and a bore in said tag.